A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said an empty flat was being searched under warrant.

No more details of the reason for the search were given, but police stress there is “no reason for the wider public to be alarmed.”

An EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team from Catterick was dispatched as a precaution, she added.

By 11.30am, the EOD team had left the site and scene of crime officers had began searching the ground floor flat.

Detectives had left the flat by 11.45am while scene of crime officers continued to search the property.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: “We are carrying out a search under warrant of a property at Campbell Court in Portrack and asked EOD colleagues to attend as a precaution due to a collection of military memorabilia within the address.

“The team found nothing of particular concern and has now left the scene. It was therefore confirmed there was no risk to the wider public or to our officers.